Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified during a social media trial this week, defending the Meta-owned app as discussions regarding social media addiction rise.
As first reported by CNBC, Mosseri sat and testified, stating that social media usage can be problematic but should not constitute an addiction. “I’m sure I said this, but I think it’s important to differentiate between clinical addiction and problematic use,” Mosseri said during the trial. The Instagram boss also made sure to clarify that he is not a medical professional.
Mosseri went on to liken the usage of Instagram and social media to Netflix content consumption. In a more casual use of the word “addicted,” Mosseri says that he was addicted to a show on Netflix, but that’s not indicative of a clinical addiction.
“So it’s a personal thing, but yeah, I do think it’s possible to use Instagram more than you feel good about,” said Mosseri. “Too much is relative, it’s personal.”
Mosseri’s testimonial was a part of a much larger social media trial involving Meta, YouTube, Snap and TikTok. Held in the Los Angeles Superior Court, the aforementioned companies are facing scrutiny over allegations of misleading users about the safety of their apps. It’s alleged that these platforms feature design elements and features that can affect the mental health of users, especially those who are younger.
Snap and TikTok were originally involved in the case. However, both companies settled with a plaintiff involved in the lawsuit.
One plaintiff, known as “KGM” and her mother, allege that social media companies have design elements like the infinite scroll that illicit addictive behaviour like spending prolonged time within the app.
Mark Lanier, the plaintiff’s lawyer, also suggests that digital filters that alter the faces of users have a negative impact. One in particular places a filter that shows the user’s face as if they completed plastic surgery. An email exchange dating back to 2019 was brought up in court, highlighting an exchange between executives debating whether or not to ban filters that encourage plastic surgery.
Mosseri testified and claimed Meta ultimately decided not to allow any filters that encourage plastic surgery after debating the capabilities of modern-day makeup. The email exchange included the phrase “PR fire on plastic surgery,” where Meta execs discussed concerns from press and experts. CEO Mark Zuckerberg was also notified about the digital filter, with Meta chief Andrew Bosworth cliaming the Zuckerberg “might want to review before implementing.”
Another email sent by former Meta exec John Hegeman said “a blanket ban on things that can’t be done with make-up is going to limit our ability to be competitive in Asian markets (including India).” Mosseri claims Hegeman’s comments regarded cultural relevance rather that compete monetarily.
“We want to help people express themselves. But when it comes to revenue, that’s based on how many ads people see on Instagram,” said Mosseri. “I haven’t seen any data that suggests using filters drives content consumption or ads. It’s not a revenue decision.”
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